What does egotistically mean?
"Egotistically" is an adverb describing actions performed with an excessive sense of one's own importance. When someone behaves egotistically, they display conceit or self-absorption — talking endlessly about themselves, taking credit for others' work, or assuming their opinions matter more than anyone else's. The word derives from "egotism," which traces back through Latin "ego," meaning "I." Unlike mere confidence or healthy self-regard, acting egotistically carries a distinctly negative judgment: it suggests a vanity so pronounced that it becomes off-putting to others. English speakers use it in contexts ranging from casual criticism — "He egotistically assumed he'd get the promotion" — to more formal character assessments. Its close cousin "egoistically" refers instead to rational self-interest, making the distinction between the two a subtle but meaningful point of vocabulary precision. Writers often reach for "egotistically" when they want to convey not just selfishness, but an irritating, inflated self-image behind it.
adverbIn a manner characterized by excessive self-importance or self-centeredness; in a way that reflects an inflated sense of one's own importance.
- In a manner showing excessive self-importance or conceit.
- (Less commonly) In a manner reflecting self-centeredness or preoccupation with oneself.
"He spoke egotistically about his achievements, barely pausing to ask anyone else a question."
"She laughed egotistically at her own joke before anyone else could react."
"Rather than credit the team, he egotistically claimed sole responsibility for the project's success."
The word 'egotism' was famously called by Samuel Coleridge 'a vice of the understanding, not merely of the heart' — and its adverb captures that vanity in action.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of egotistically
"Egotistically" derives from "egotism," which entered English in the early 18th century, built on the Latin pronoun "ego" meaning "I." The suffix "-istic" formed the adjective "egotistical," from which the adverb followed. It shares its root with words like "egoist," "egoistic," and ultimately "ego" itself, all pointing back to that same Latin first-person pronoun.
Related word forms
How egotistically is actually used
Carries a strongly negative connotation, implying not just self-interest but an offensive degree of vanity. Common in both formal criticism and everyday description of someone's behaviour.
Easily confused with egotistically
Egoistically means acting out of self-interest (from 'ego' in the philosophical sense), while egotistically means behaving with an inflated sense of self-importance — the two overlap but egotistically carries stronger connotations of vanity and conceit.